An Anaheim Ducks blog, from the perspective of a hockey fan armed with a camera

In praise of Bobby Ryan

"The biggest thing is just his poise and his hands are unbelievable. I played with [Evgeni] Malkin and [Sidney] Crosby, and those guys are probably the two best in the league. Bobby's hands are right with those guys... He's a superstar in the making, it seems."
---Ryan Whitney, former Ducks defenseman

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Today marked the "unofficial start" of hockey season with the 13th Annual Fedorin Cup. Training camp is only weeks away, followed shortly by the preseason. By the looks of the impressive showing at Anaheim Ice this afternoon, I think I can safely say that Ducks fans are ready!

Waiting at will call

Established originally in 1998 in memory of Eric Fedorin, a Californian hockey player whose life was cut short by brain cancer, the Fedorin Cup game raises money for cancer charities. Hockey pros of the past and present play a friendly game of puck, prizes are auctioned and raffled off, and hockey fans gather in the spirit of giving and preseason excitement.

Bobby, Getzy, and Todd Marchant are repeat players, always good to see them again. As well as Phil Hulett, who lent his PA prowess as Master of Ceremonies once again. New to the game were Jason Blake and Joe DiPenta, kudos to them for lending their time to such a good cause. Teemu Selanne had been verified for the roster as well, but I understand he's still in Finland. Apparently, he RSVPs every year in anticipation that he might be in the country in time for the event.

Luca Sbisa, who may end up shouldering many of the defensive responsibilities for the Ducks this season

Ryan Getzlaf, captain of Team Canada

The starting forward line for Team USA: Marchant, Bobby, and Blake

The ceremonial puck drop between Marchant and Getzlaf

Ex-cup winning Duck, Joe DiPenta, who recently signed a contract with AHL team the Syracuse Crunch

Getzlaf skating with the puck

Marchant engaging in some friendly trash talk

Silver vs Gold... I mean, Bobby vs Getzy at the faceoff

Phil and Wild Wing auctioning off a hockey stick signed by Ryan Getzlaf

Getzlaf sneaks one by Team USA Goalie, Adam Lawrence

Blake taking the puck up ice

There was some impressive skating and stick handling during the game, but nothing too physical. All in all, a very good-natured game. I was particularly impressed by the skills of sisters Annie and Alison Pankowsi, both playing in their first Fedorin Cup. Always good to see the girls rock the boys on the ice! Team USA fell behind in the first half, only to bounce back in the second and tie things up before the final horn sounded. Oh boy, a shootout! (surprise surprise!) A quick wrister by Getzy would settle the game with a Team Canada win.

Friday, August 27, 2010

The hockey preseason is less than a month away (YAY!) and I still do not have any Bobby Ryan contract news to share. C'mon Bobby, you're making us nervous here! There was a quick message passed to me from Bobby a few weeks ago in which he didn't talk about contracts, but he did sound very confident that he'd be in Anaheim once the season started.

All we can do is keep our fingers crossed!

One thing is for certain, the Finnish Flash will be back for another season with the Ducks. I was feeling rather confident that he would, given 1) Saku Koivu is returning, 2) it wouldn't be Teemu's style to end a career without a postseason, and 3) in games he was able to play in, he was still playing good quality hockey. But you'll never hear me say I told you so.

Mini-plan in hand, I'm ready for some hockey. Fans will get a taste tomorrow with the 13th Annual Fedorin Cup Charity Hockey Game and Casino Night. Todd Marchant, Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu, and Bobby are all scheduled to be there, along with many other NHL players. I believe tickets are still available. Click here for more information.

I attended the event last year and it was a lot of fun. Hoping this year will be the same. I'll have Baby Rebel in hand for plenty of pics and story to share with everyone tomorrow!

Acknowledgments

Photos in the headers and sidebar appear courtesy of zimbio.com. Photos within the text of the blog are ones that I have taken myself unless otherwise cited. Please do not reproduce them without my permission, thanks! --Ducks54